Actually, got the dealer to do it while it was in for it's routine minor service. Brought the part that I got earlier this week and the detailed instructions in the sticky topic at the top of this forum and asked what they would charge to do it. Tech didn't know off the top, as they don't generally install block heaters here in AZ, gave me a funny look really. I said from the forum postings here that it didn't seem to be a big job and that I could probably do it myself, but I didn't have jack stands or ramps so I could get under the car. They took a look when they had it back on the lift, charged me $35 to install it so I wound up taking them up on it. Took a look afterward and it looks like a clean install. Anyway to know for sure that he did it right? What should I expect when I start the car up in the morning after having it plugged in overnight? Service Manager gave me the weirdest look when I was checking out, he asked where I was moving to. Assumed I was moving somewhere cold because of the block heater, I told him what we Prius owners really use the block heater for, to cut down on the ICE warmup cycle, decrease emissions further, and improve mileage. Told him my last tank was just under 60 MPG and I hope to get it above 60 with this mod. Seemed pretty amazed that I was getting that kind of mileage. Of course, my current tank is probably shot at trying to get over 60 MPG, they always kill my mileage when I bring it in for service. Sitting at about 51 now (as opposed to the 63 I had when I went in there...), but I've only got about 40 miles on the tank so maybe I can turn it back around. Now, off to update my signature Andy
Awesome, You'll love it. It has brought me from the 60mpg range into the 70's. Let us know how it goes for you.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AZTriGuy @ Oct 26 2007, 02:17 PM) [snapback]530788[/snapback]</div> A shorter initial S1 ICE-on period. Ability to induce an S3b glide and transition to S4 sooner. (Let me know if you don't know the 5 stages and I'll provide a link. Don't have it at my fingertips at the moment.) Bottom line: Noticeably better fuel economy for at least the first five minutes, and probably the first ten. Congrats, BTW. That seems to be a very reasonable price for the install.
Vaguely on topic -- I found where I'd scribbled some measurements from my own EBH at various temps, since I was curious how much the resistance changes. I don't have a very wide range on this, but it does show a small change: __ 30C . . . 3.49 A . . . 419 W __ 55C . . . 3.35 A . . . 401 W with 120VAC as measured at the EBH plug. Current [in AC amps] was taken with a clamp-on probe using a power strip with a broken-out cord made for the purpose. . _H*
Don't leave it on all night, timers are cheap and 3 hours is plenty from all accounts. I like the electronic timers, you can switch them off at the socket and they keep the times in memory as well as always having the time of day set right.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AZTriGuy @ Oct 26 2007, 02:17 PM) [snapback]530788[/snapback]</div> I installed my EBH this afternoon. The temp here was in the low 60's, the sun was shining, I was listening to the Colts whallop the Panthers, and everything went smoothly until I connected the power cord. From the previous threads on the subject, I knew to expect difficulty with this and to be aware of the orientation of the EBH in order to line up the pins with the power cord. But...since there is room for only one hand and the connectors are not visible along with my own "ham-handedness," it indeed took longer to make the connection than it did to locate and install the heater itself. I won and so did the Colts so all is well!
Greetings to All. I am considering the EBH, live in NW Indiana. But I do park in the somewhat heated garage overnight. I know that this will help on the first 10-minutes of driving, but does anyone have an idea for the actual increase in mileage over the long run? Thanks MrBlue
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MrBlue @ Oct 30 2007, 08:04 PM) [snapback]532675[/snapback]</div> I improved my MPG from 54.1 in my 2nd and 3rd years of ownership to 59.9mpg in my 4th year with 'religious' use of the EBH. My garage is not heated, but stays warm from radiant heating from the house relative to outside temps. For the year that equated to 27 gallons of gas saved...~$70
